Contributory Negligence

Petunia is doing the garden now she
is clearing away all the debris of the past
year. She hesitates, unsure
whether to cut the tree from the branches or
the branches from the tree.

Haroid is cutting up large pieces of
golden cardboard to make small pieces
of golden cardboard. When he reaches
the best size, he will paste little gold
stars on his ceiling.

Abigail is eating only herbs and spices.
She hopes this will result in a more
zesty approach to life and its assorted
difficulties, as well as more aromatic
breath to breathe out.

Walter is cutting down trees to build
houses. His houses will blend in well
with the trees, because he
preserves the branches intact,
still growing green leaves.

I am trying to reach you now, trying
to make the connections across the fields and
cities. I am writing in the sky in very
large letters: I am sorry for the freakshow, it is
time to come home.

– 130 –

Never a Ripple

As a boy, I laughed
at water I
held my breath and

sank to the solid
earth beneath the grey
of the water

creeping in my ears
along my throat
mouthing water oh

my God I pray to
you free me from this
water on the brain, me

that white shape, seeping
below the meniscus
at high tide.

Catching the Scent

It is a vague day
curling around the edges.
Nevertheless she is lying in the grass

skirt in knickers
shirt in bra

sending the blood to your brain.